Boyd School Studios

Boyd School Studios

The former J.H Boyd Girls’ High School at 207-229 City Rd Southbank was bought by the City of Melbourne from the State government in December 2007. Two significant buildings exist on the 0.7 hectare property. One is a heritage building built in 1884-85 with a 1930 extension, and the second, a 1970s two-storey building. The 1970s building was Creative Spaces’ demonstration project to show property owners how a disused building could be refurbished as temporary affordable artist studios during an interim period of development.

Boyd School Studios in the 1970s building is a temporary space as the building is slated for demolition. It offers month-to-month licenses to artists who have contractually agreed to vacate the property when needed by Council. The space was refurbished for $30,000 in nine weeks from building application to final inspection. It has been operational for over six years at full capacity and has housed over 80 artists in 23 studios.

In 2012 the heritage building was refurbished as a library, café, artist studios, meeting rooms and consulting rooms for parents with small children. It is a new model of development that explores the relationship between knowledge, health and culture as drivers for the creation of a healthy, vibrant and inclusive community. Creative Spaces manages the artist studios in Boyd and serves as the cultural anchor for the overall site.

Enquire about Studio Availability

To join the waiting list for Boyd School Studios please fill in the form below. When spaces become available you will be notified via email.